Noam Bettan has released “Michelle”, the Israeli entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
“Michelle” was revealed during a special broadcast this evening on KAN 11, KAN Gimel and KAN Box called “HaShir shel Israel” (Israel’s Song). The show was broadcast from the Neve Ilan Communication Centre.
“Michelle” was written and composed by Nadav Aharoni, Tzlil Klifi, Yuval Raphael and Noam Bettan. Yuval represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The song was selected by a professional committee from approximately 200 submissions.
Noam Bettan was selected to represent Israel at Eurovision 2026 after winning HaKokhav HaBa l’Eurovizyon earlier this year. He will perform in the second half of the first semi-final on May 12.
Since the beginning of the Gaza War in 2023, Israel’s participation in Eurovision has come under heavy criticism. Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are all boycotting this year’s contest over Israel’s inclusion, marking the largest boycott in the contest’s history since 1970.
Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest+
Israel debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973. The country was represented by Ilanit, who finished in 4th place with the song “Ey Sham”. Their first victory came in 1978 with Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta. Israel won again the following year with Gali Atari & Milk and Honey. Israel’s third victory came in 1998 when Dana International performed “Diva” in Birmingham, beating Malta to victory in a tense voting sequence. Israel struggled in the contest during the early-2010s, failing to qualify for the final from 2011-2014. However, since 2015 Israel has seen its fortunes turned around, qualifying every year except 2022. In 2018 Netta won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Toy”.